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All Over the Map: Rambles and Ruminations from the Canadian Road
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Canada's most verbally virtuosic comic makes his literary debut—and he's just as richly, gloriously funny on the page as on stage.
His legion of fans—the ones who ensure his every show the length and breadth of Canada is sold out—recognize Ron James as one of the great stand-ups of his generation. His seemingly improvisational flights of fancy—no two shows are ever the same—are crammed with inventive phrase-making, feature a voluminous vocabulary, and put every word into the service of uproarious comedy.
He sounds like a man born to write a great book—and now at last he has. But this is a book he has been writing for most of his life, in his head, in his car, while driving from gig to gig.
In All Over the Map , Ron has brilliantly captured the voice that has enthralled millions on stage and screen. He also lets up a little on the usually relentless laughs (though there are still plenty of those) to reveal a new dimension to his beloved showbiz character. His hilarious reminiscences of growing up in Nova Scotia and his early struggles as an aspiring comic, his reveries on such topics as family, country, celebrity and lessons learned from myriad chance encounters will deepen our appreciation for this great comic and win him many new fans in his new role as author.
Canada's most verbally virtuosic comic makes his literary debut—and he's just as richly, gloriously funny on the page as on stage.
His legion of fans—the ones who ensure his every show the length and breadth of Canada is sold out—recognize Ron James as one of the great stand-ups of his generation. His seemingly improvisational flights of fancy—no two shows are ever the same—are crammed with inventive phrase-making, feature a voluminous vocabulary, and put every word into the service of uproarious comedy.
He sounds like a man born to write a great book—and now at last he has. But this is a book he has been writing for most of his life, in his head, in his car, while driving from gig to gig.
In All Over the Map , Ron has brilliantly captured the voice that has enthralled millions on stage and screen. He also lets up a little on the usually relentless laughs (though there are still plenty of those) to reveal a new dimension to his beloved showbiz character. His hilarious reminiscences of growing up in Nova Scotia and his early struggles as an aspiring comic, his reveries on such topics as family, country, celebrity and lessons learned from myriad chance encounters will deepen our appreciation for this great comic and win him many new fans in his new role as author.
296 pages, Hardcover
Published September 28, 2021
8 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 14, 2021
Ron's love letter to Canada is an entertaining, educational and often riotously funny read! I enjoyed every well-crafted word. This memoir proves that you can take the boy out of the Maritimes but you can't take the Maritimes (or the heart and the humility) out of the boy. Two thumbs wayyyy up.
March 31, 2022
Insightful and funny memoirs about Canada and the Canadians Ron met while touring as a stand-up comedian. Many sentences are so loaded with wit that one has to read them twice to catch all of the nuances.
November 10, 2021
It takes a lot of courage to publish a memoir. Ron James shares his journey about "making" it in the entertainment industry. For those folks who see a public figure on stage or screen and think they have the 'world by the tail' need to real this tale of hard work, indurance, hardship and disappointment coupled with appreciation and insight. I will admit to snorting a few times and holding my hand over my heart in others. (Well, truthfully, I laughed out loud quite a few times!)
Ron is a wordsmith and this book highlights how skilled he is. It also shows how appreciative he is of his beloved Canada and the many people who come out to hear him perform.
No need to brush up your Shakespeare Ronnie!
Ron is a wordsmith and this book highlights how skilled he is. It also shows how appreciative he is of his beloved Canada and the many people who come out to hear him perform.
No need to brush up your Shakespeare Ronnie!
October 21, 2021
*4.5 stars*
In trademark style, he kept me laughing…
And admiring a man who faced a lot of obstacles in his life to make his dreams come true. I’ve watched – and listened – to Ron James for years, a true ‘Canadian’ comedian who brought his country to his act with his Eastern accent always promising a laugh…
In this book, he shared his journey, both personal and professional. It was insightful, painful at times and others just laugh out loud funny. It also felt very real with family, health and career challenges sitting alongside his highs and lows in the roving, comedic life.
The writing style of the book matched his act completely – there was no ghost writer here. I could actually hear him saying the words in my head, in the cadence that is uniquely his own. If there were a lot of adjectives to wade through at times (it’s different to follow them for a few minutes in an act, than a full-length book) I enjoyed the thoughts and feelings he shared.
Full of Canadian places and people, I loved this tour of my country – the good and the suspect - and the very personal glimpses into his own life. I will continue to enjoy his comedy and appreciate it even more knowing the journey to get there.
*I happily reviewed this book
**Thank you to NetGalley
In trademark style, he kept me laughing…
And admiring a man who faced a lot of obstacles in his life to make his dreams come true. I’ve watched – and listened – to Ron James for years, a true ‘Canadian’ comedian who brought his country to his act with his Eastern accent always promising a laugh…
In this book, he shared his journey, both personal and professional. It was insightful, painful at times and others just laugh out loud funny. It also felt very real with family, health and career challenges sitting alongside his highs and lows in the roving, comedic life.
The writing style of the book matched his act completely – there was no ghost writer here. I could actually hear him saying the words in my head, in the cadence that is uniquely his own. If there were a lot of adjectives to wade through at times (it’s different to follow them for a few minutes in an act, than a full-length book) I enjoyed the thoughts and feelings he shared.
Full of Canadian places and people, I loved this tour of my country – the good and the suspect - and the very personal glimpses into his own life. I will continue to enjoy his comedy and appreciate it even more knowing the journey to get there.
*I happily reviewed this book
**Thank you to NetGalley
October 14, 2021
This is a funny book from a very funny man. Not only did I laugh out loud on many occasions as I read "All Over The Map', there were also some moments when I paused in thought at the wisdom in some of James' thoughts. Reading through this book, the reader cannot help but feel a certain amount of encouragement as James recounts some of the more challenging moments in his life that he eventually overcame and learned from. All in all, it was a really good book to read at a very difficult time in our nation. However, if I had only one minor complaint, it would be that the book tends to run on a little bit too long in certain places.... my ninth grade English teacher would have called it verbal diarrhea..... and I did catch myself at times thinking "Boy , this is almost too much of a good thing." But overall, it's a really fun book that I enjoyed reading and would recommend.
November 28, 2021
I have had the pleasure of seeing Ron James perform live and my face hurt for days after the show was finished. This book reads exactly like Ron speaks and if you have ever seen Ron perform live or his New Year's show, you know exactly what I am talking about! It took me a while to get into the cadence of his speech while reading it but once I found my rhythm we were good to go.
This book contained stories from the decades that Ron has traveled this country. Most were Ron's stories but some were stories shared with Ron throughout his journey. I loved learning about some of Ron's vacations and adventures. I love that he shared stories of his life growing up. And it was great to read about places in Canada that I have lived through Ron's eyes.
I hope Ron comes through Calgary again, I would love to have the opportunity to laugh until my face hurts once more!
This book contained stories from the decades that Ron has traveled this country. Most were Ron's stories but some were stories shared with Ron throughout his journey. I loved learning about some of Ron's vacations and adventures. I love that he shared stories of his life growing up. And it was great to read about places in Canada that I have lived through Ron's eyes.
I hope Ron comes through Calgary again, I would love to have the opportunity to laugh until my face hurts once more!
January 4, 2024
I love Ron James's style. He can spin a yarn, that he can! The book is well worth the read. I especially liked hearing stories from my home land of Canada. I could so relate to his "ramblings" as he aptly calls it, given we all know how he weaves in and out and back around during a tale! I think my favourite was the story about the skates and the comment his Mom made about his Dad as a child having nothing for Christmas except for ... I will leave it there for you to be curious enough to seek out the punch line and a hearty laugh.
December 20, 2021
When I get this book signed -- as I hope to do on March 17, 2022, when Ron James returns to Ottawa -- I'm going to ask him just when he kissed that Blarney Stone. Nobody uses language like Ron James, and it is as much a joy to read him in print as it is to see him on stage. If I could assign Chapter 11 to my essay writing students, I would. Its juxtaposition of comic training with real-life situation is just brilliant.
March 5, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! It was fabulous listening to his 'down home' humour. It had me laughing out loud at times. You rarely hear people 'saying it as it is' anymore like he does. It made me remember some of the storytellers from growing up in Cape Breton. Highly recommended reading by this Canadian icon.
April 17, 2022
4.5 Overdrive audiobook This is one you really should listen to, although I would recommend breaking it up into segments as this isn't something you listen to from beginning to end. I would also suggest you not speed up the audio as this guy talks a mile a minute already! Ron James is always over the top, and has you laughing out loud or making you stop to consider his last rant!
July 25, 2022
Ron is brilliant. His command of the English language is impressive and his clever use in delivery of lines that require both ears to speed listen, lest we miss a giggle or two.
With Ron narrating his own book how could it be better?
I look forward to shows ahead, new material and lots of laughs!
A great Canadian comic.
With Ron narrating his own book how could it be better?
I look forward to shows ahead, new material and lots of laughs!
A great Canadian comic.
July 10, 2025
James writes an engaging text that describes how challenging it is to be a comedian on the road in Canada. His digressions are equal parts humourous and confusing, which I believe is part of the charm. The book may have benefitted from some closer editing, though I maintain it is an excellent light read for those interested in James' career or musings on Canadian history and life.
February 13, 2022
I have been a fan of the author and his comedy routines for decades (I can honestly say that because we are only a year apart in age). I am delighted that he has written a tombe that puts his myriad of hilarious and often poignant thoughts and experiences from his Canadian ramblings into print!
February 14, 2022
A great read
Enjoyed the book and story telling immensely. Could hear his voice (and sometimes little Annie's voice) as clearly as if they were standing in front of me. A great way to spend some time- highly recommend!
Enjoyed the book and story telling immensely. Could hear his voice (and sometimes little Annie's voice) as clearly as if they were standing in front of me. A great way to spend some time- highly recommend!
April 6, 2022
Ron James’ All Over The Map should be required reading for all proud Canadians.
This book tells many stories of Ron’s forays across our great land and beyond. I found it highly entertaining and laughed more times that I can recall. Some good laughter therapy for me. Never mind let food be thy medicine, let laughter be thy medicine.
This book tells many stories of Ron’s forays across our great land and beyond. I found it highly entertaining and laughed more times that I can recall. Some good laughter therapy for me. Never mind let food be thy medicine, let laughter be thy medicine.
October 13, 2022
Funny but he writes the way he speaks in his act—making it a dense read. Sometimes a sentence needs a few passes because they wander a little. But it delivers exactly what you look for when you pick up this book—a peek into Ron James's strange little head.
October 21, 2021
"Stephen Leacock on Benzidine" best describes Ron James. Machine gun fast with rich dialogue. It is a book I will want to read many more times
November 11, 2021
Loved it...but not surprised...'cause I love him!!!
December 3, 2021
Rants, raves and amiable ribaldry. Treat yourself - get a copy!
December 30, 2021
I would hove it 10 stars. A master of storytelling. Love.
January 14, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. It is a well written book. The author would be good to see live at a comedy stand up show, for sure. He is well known to people from Canada.
January 29, 2022
As I read this i could hear Ronnie's voice in my head as I have seen him live a few times, including a taping of his TV show once. A true gem of a Canadian!
March 12, 2022
Hilarious and heartfelt homage to Canada from coast to coast to coast. This audiobook is read by the author - he’s Canada’s Robin Williams - so funny!!
June 13, 2022
A very funny and honest portrayal of life on the road as a Canadian comedian.
June 13, 2022
Love this guy's in person stand up comedy and you can hear his voice come through the page. Loved it! https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/...
July 17, 2022
Great read. Ron's descriptions of the different characters he meets on his road of life are truly hilarious.
December 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I found it so interesting reading about all the places he's been when on the road and his impressions of each city or town. It's pure Canadiana.
March 1, 2023
Funny, but for a minimalist like me, it was also torture.
April 2, 2023
Ron writes in the vernacular by which he speaks. Some stories from his show mixed with stories from his travels.
May 23, 2023
Love this guy. Great read, lots of laughs and a few good life lessons thrown in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews